A parasite from Lauren south carolina

6-8 inch height only a few shaded part under/near trees

 

Lauren,

this is an interesting plant because it is a parasite without chlorophyll, and absorbs nutrition from the roots of its host trees, usually oak or beech.  The common name is generally given as Squaw-root or Cancer-root, and the scientific name is Conopholis americana.   It has been used medicinally to cause abortions.   It is one of our few chlorophyll-lacking flowering plants.

–Dr. Steven R. Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

 

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